Staff Scientist – Photonic Integrated Circuit Development (PIC)

Vescent; Golden (CO); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 Weeks PTO annually

401(K) with employer contribution

Health & Dental Insurance with options

Health Savings Account with employer-m

Incentive Stock Option

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Vescent Technologies seeks a creative Staff Scientist to advance photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and laser systems in Golden, CO. You will manage R&D projects, drive experimental work, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to translate research into scalable products.

The role emphasizes on-site lab work with occasional travel to conferences and customer sites, requiring a PhD with strong optics expertise and proven publication-writing ability.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent degree.
• M.S. with >5 years industrial experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, model, design, assemble, layout, and test photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
• Develop packaging methods for coupling light into/out of PICs.
• Conduct in-laboratory research (25–50% monthly).
• Mentor and train research staff in lab methods and data analysis.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Nonlinear optics

Ultrafast laser systems

Technical writing

Education

Ph.D. in Physics/Optics/Electrical Engineering

M.S. with >5 years industrial experience

Tools

Nonlinear waveguide propagation software

Programming tools

Job description

Staff Scientist - Photonic Integrated Circuit Development (PIC)

Salary: $145,000 - $190,000 based upon education, work experience, and skill

About Vescent

Vescent is The Foundation of the Quantum Era. We provide frequency combs, laser systems, and control electronics that drive leading Quantum 2.0solutions in quantum computing, timing, networking, and sensing. These products are optimized for leading lab hero experiments and rugged field use, an unheard-of combination until now. Our mission is to enable the scale-up of Quantum 2.0technologies by providing the stability, precision, and integration needed to turn leading-edge quantum discoveries into deployment at scale.

The work environment is fun, fast-paced, challenging, and interdisciplinary. TheVescentteam takes pride in its work, is energetic and agile, and enjoys celebrating team successes.

Position Summary

Vescent Technologies seeks a creative and highly driven laser scientist to join our Research & Development team in Golden, CO. The right candidate will work on state-of-the‑art laser and optoelectronic systems with a focus on the development, construction, and testing of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The candidate will be efficient in their work ethic, highly self‑motivated, and enthusiastic about laboratory research in an industrial setting. The candidate will manage research projects as a principal investigator and seek new fundingopportunities for next‑generation research and development to complement and enhance Vescent’s existing product lines. Approximately 60-80% of the candidate’s time will require on‑site tasks with an opportunity for travel to conferences and customer site‑visits.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, model, design, assemble, layout, and test photonic integrated circuits (PICs) forapplications in laser stabilization and nonlinear optics.
• Develop packaging methods for efficiently coupling light into and out of PICs.
• Conduct in‑laboratory research (estimated 25-50% of candidates time on a monthly basis).
• Mentor and train research staff in best practices for laboratory methods, data analysis, and presentation/report‑writing.
• Write winning proposals to secure development funding via government and commercial contracts.
• Manage contract research projects to be on time and within budget, including effective communication with customers, industry/academic partners, and vendors.
• As part of a highly cross‑functional product development team, work closely with other team members to capture product requirements, provide subject matter expertise, analyze designs, troubleshoot prototypes, and perform use case test validation.
• Transition assembly and testing of prototype development systems to production/process engineers and technicians as needed.
• Travel requirements: Occasional (5-10% total) trips to conferences, fabrication facilities, and/or customer site visits.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent degree in relevant field. M.S’s with >5 years of industrial experience will also be considered.
• At least 5 years performing hands‑on research in an optics/laser laboratory with direct experience in designing, modelling, and testing PICs.
• Expertise in nonlinear optics and pulse propagation using ultrafast laser systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer programming (Python preferred), data analysis tools, and physical simulations including nonlinear waveguide propagation software.
• Demonstrated technical writing experience including providing relevant writing samples (peer‑reviewed publications are acceptable).
• PIC expertise related to nonlinear optics, phase modulation, amplitude modulation, on‑chip optical frequency references for laser stabilization, and electro‑optical on‑chip interfacing.
• Packaging of PICs with micro‑optics, optical fibers, other PIC platforms, and laser sources.
• Demonstrated understanding of laser frequency stabilization and servo feedback control of electro‑optical systems, including characterization and analysis of laser phase/frequency noise properties.
• Proficiency in designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits, especially with opto‑electronic components such as diode lasers and photodetectors.
• Flexible schedule options to support work‑life balance
• 4 Weeks of PTO annually
• 401(K) Plan with employer contribution
• Health & Dental Insurance with plan options including employer‑paid premium coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer matching available with eligible plans
• Incentive Stock Option
• Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Relocation Assistance

Compliance Notice

This position is subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws, and employment is contingent upon the successful completion of that process as well as the ability to meet eligibility criteria for access to secured or regulated work environments. Vescent Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on age, race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Employment with Vescent Technologies is at‑will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by applicable law.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact [e-mail]